The apex Igbo socio-cultural group Ohanaeze Ndigbo has known as on the previous head of state, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), to apologise for latest “inflammatory” feedback concerning the Nigerian Civil Struggle expertise.

Ohanaeze additionally stated his remarks have “reopened deep wounds” among the many Igbo individuals.

In a strongly-worded assertion launched on Sunday, Ohanaeze Secretary-Normal Okechukwu Isiguzoro stated Gowon’s comments throughout a February 21 go to to President Bola Tinubu have been a “deliberate focusing on of the collective Igbo psyche” and confirmed a “lack of empathy” for the struggling brought on by the 1967-1970 struggle.

“We problem Gowon to mirror on his actions and recognise the necessity for reconciliation and repentance,” Isiguzoro stated. “His steadfast refusal to acknowledge the ache and struggling brought on by the struggle shows a failure to understand the gravity of his function in that darkish interval of our historical past.”

The group asserted that Gowon’s survival for over 5 many years, regardless of an estimated 3 million Igbo lives misplaced within the struggle, gave him a “distinctive alternative for redemption and reconciliation.”

“As a professed Christian, we implore Gowon to heed the decision of conscience and take obligatory steps to hunt forgiveness from the Igbo individuals by acknowledging his errors, revealing the reality behind the Aburi Accord, and issuing a honest apology,” he added.

Isiguzoro stated Gowon’s “repeated insensitive feedback” undermined Igbo reconciliation efforts regardless of their “demonstrated forgiveness and dedication to nationwide improvement.”

He known as on the previous head of state to “seize this pivotal second to discard the relics of the previous, embrace humility, and provide a long-overdue apology”, saying it will pave the best way for “real reconciliation” and “lasting peace and concord.”

The Nigerian Civil Struggle often known as the Biafran Struggle, began on July 6, 1967, and ended on January 15, 1970. It was a civil struggle fought between Nigeria and the Republic of Biafra, a secessionist state that had declared its independence from Nigeria in 1967.

Nigeria was led by Gowon, whereas Biafra was led by Lieutenant Colonel Chukwuemeka “Emeka” Odumegwu Ojukwu.